Bus smash probe delay causes anger
Angry parents of the schoolchildren caught up in a bus crash claim that they are still none the wiser about how the tragedy happened – a month after the crash.
The road accident occurred when the bus skidded off a snow bound road into an icy river – however the exact cause of the collision still remains unknown.
Sadly, a 17-year-old girl, of Cleghorn, Lanark, died in the crash. The teen was part of a group from Lanark Grammar School that set off on a trip to Alton Towers, Staffordshire, on March 31st.
The victim was among 39 pupils, five staff and a driver on the coach, when it crashed on the A73 at Wiston, near Biggar. A total of 44 people needed hospital treatment due to personal injury in the wake of the smash.
Answers needed
However, frustration has increased and the parents of the schoolchildren are furious that they have still not received any answers.
One dad said: “Some parents want to know why it's taking so long for those involved in organising the trip to come up with answers.
“People are angry about the delay. No one in authority has told them anything about the circumstances leading up to the crash.
“They want to know who took the decision to set off despite the terrible weather conditions. They're not looking to blame anyone - they want answers.”
Politicians have also joined in with the fight, demanding that an inquiry should be launched into the fatal accident.
Lanark and Hamilton East MP Jim Hood said: “We need to see a full investigation into this tragedy. This has shocked the community but it is vital we don't rush to judgment.
“If lessons are to be learnt, we have to understand what they are first. Police and other investigators have to draw their conclusions. I think we will see a fatal accident inquiry.”
Clydesdale MSP Karen Gillon commented: “There is a police investigation ongoing but, once it is has completed, I would like to see if there are lessons to be learned from this tragedy.”
This week the bus firm, whose coach was involved in the accident, said they couldn't comment. A South Lanarkshire Council spokeswoman added: “We are helping police with inquiries.”
The driver claims that he warned the conditions would be too bad to drive the 500-round mile trip and requested the journey to be cancelled.
The Strathclyde force said investigations are still ongoing. It is unknown if any accident claims will be filed.
Updated on 4/27/2010